After a long, hot summer, there's a back-to-school feeling in the air, and the fashion world is preparing for a reset. Whilst the languid days still roll on, slowly we're starting to compile our autumn wardrobes. Loafers are laid out to be polished, wool trousers ready to be pressed, and the first jacket is hanging by the door, in preparation for the looming shift in weather. Moving through the core updates that will ease us into autumn, next on my list is to brush the sand of my basket bag and nestle it into the back of my wardrobe, making space for something a little sturdier, a little fresher. And if you're currently considering which bag will take over from your raffia tote, a fresh wave of inspiration has rolled in as the first It bags of Autumn 2026 have been unveiled.

If you kept a keen eye on the autumn/winter 2026 runways, then you may already be familiar with the new season lineup. Whilst last year saw a focus on revived heritage bags, this autumn is all about subtle signatures applied to new releases, with each one feeling like an in-the-know discovery.

Bottega Veneta's Giorno reinforces the significance of an identifying weave through its clutch style and reminds us how the brand reinvented the clutch once before and is about to do it all over again. At The Row, silhouette and form still guide designs with the curved, clean lines of the Alma Baguette, whilst Miu Miu's playfulness comes through by way of the Vivant silhouette, nodding to the bowling bag with a soft trapeze shape and rich colourways.

The takeaway from the autumn It bag lineup is balance. House signatures are paired with fresh silhouettes; heritage is subtly dispersed alongside fresh colourways and new designs, working in tandem with practicality to cement the staying power of each. With autumn on the horizon, it's time to dive into the 7 designer It bags of 2026.

7 Autumn It Bags That Should Be On Your Radar This Season

1. The Row Alma

Style Notes: A new bag has joined The Row's stellar lineup, and already celebrities and fashion people are adding it to their baskets. Following the clean lines, smart proportions and understated design that have become a signature of the brand, the Alma Baguette is already a hit.

Shop The Row Alma Baguette:

2. Bottega Veneta Giorno

Style Notes: Following its name, this bag is designed to be a perfect everyday bag. The soft silhouette can be tucked neatly under the arm for a clutch, or you can secure the drawstring closures to create a strap to wear over the shoulder. Bringing together versatility, a sleek design and Bottega Veneta's signature Intrecciato weave, this feels like a 2026 update on the brand's iconic clutch bag.

Shop the Bottega Veneta Giorno:

3. Gucci Horsebit Duomo

Style Notes: If polished and sophisticated are key desires in your autumn bag, then you'll want to take a close look at the Gucci Horsebit Duomo. The structured shape makes this bag feel like a heritage style already, with Gucci's iconic Horsebit motif serving as the closure. Adding a touch of versatility, the shorter strap can be swapped out for a longer version if you prefer to wear your bag crossbody.

Shop the Gucci Horsebit Duomo:

4. Ferragamo Cara Bag

Style Notes: From Rihanna to Anne Hathaway, Karlie Kloss to Monica Barbara, the Cara bag has already had a series of celebrity outings. Whilst the understated designs exude luxury, the nod to branding comes from the subtle Gancini buckle closure, nodding to the brand's heritage, along with the wrapped leather around the sides, which echoes the design on the Hug bag. Just wait, there will be plenty more sightings of this bag to come.

Shop the Ferragamo Cara Bag

5. Prada Buckle Bag

Style Notes: Since its unveiling on the 2024 runways, the Buckle Bag has cemented its place in Prada's permanent lineup. Whilst the original took on a bucket bag form, the new style is a tote shape, with a short handle to carry in hand or over the shoulder, and a longer strap for various ways to wear. For in-the-know people, the style is recognisable from the decorative belt around the top.

Shop the Prada Buckle Bag

6. Miu Miu Vivant

Style Notes: There's a vintage charm to Miu Miu's Vivant bag. Inspired by bowling bag silhouettes, the shape is incredibly striking, and the style has already been spotted on a series of celebrities and fashion people. The supple form adds to the heritage feel of the bag, and with the new season comes a host of new colourways, each of which feels exceedingly refined.

Shop the Miu Miu Vivant

7. Loewe Amazona 180

Style Notes: The Loewe Amazona 180 has spent the past few months settling into the chicest wardrobes around. The original Amazona was released in 1975, and to celebrate Loewe's 180th anniversary, the brand brought back the iconic style with an updated silhouette but still retaining the history of the original. Designed to be worn slightly open, even the inner lining is a key feature of the design, with the Loewe anagram on the lining to nod to the bag's origin.

Shop the Loewe Amazona 180:

As someone who works in fashion, it should come as no surprise that I have a pretty long list of designer items that I hope to one day invest in. And as we slowly move out of summer and into the transitional season, I’ve started to think about the It bags that will define the next few months. But as someone who prides themselves on their minimal and polished style that will stand the test of time, I have to be honest and say that I’m not really looking for ostentatious logos or easily identifiable shapes. In fact, I want the very opposite: an It bag that, of course, comes loved and coveted by the chicest dressers, but that also remains under-the-radar, pared-back and most importantly, timeless.

Well, after spotting one of minimalist fashion house The Row’s lesser-known bags on Kendall Jenner this week, I think I’ve found just that. Enter The Row’s Astra bag.

Spotted in LA wearing the brown hand-embroidered leather iteration with a classic black T-shirt and straight-leg jeans, Kendall proved just how much this bag lends itself to everyday styling, meaning you’re sure to get your money’s worth of wear out of it. With a soft elongated body and long flat handles, this understated bag has long been known by the chicest dressers as the "IYKYK" style to invest in. So much so that when I first discovered it, it was completely out of stock. However, now that a few of the colours have restocked online (with hopefully more to follow), now is the perfect time to snap up yours before it inevitably goes again. Its sleek yet effortless appeal makes it easy to dress up or down for any occasion, and in true The Row fashion, you’ll never have to worry about it going out of style.

And don’t just take it from Kendall; the bag is loved by both elegant dressers and editors alike, firmly proving its place as one of the it bags that will dominate autumn 2026 (and well beyond this, of course).

Keep scrolling to shop Kendall Jenner’s exact bag, and then take a browse at some other The Row it bags I currently have my eye on.

Shop The Row's Astra Bag

Shop More The Row It Bags We Love

August’s arrival is the home stretch of summer, with the month one of the final moments to escape to some blissful part of the Mediterranean and soak in the last of the scorching temperatures and blue skies. For some, this means checking off one of the many European summer destinations that have been beckoning to us all season. For others, it might mean making the most of this unceremoniously British weather and taking a weekend break to Brighton or Margate. For Kate Moss, however, it means making her annual pilgrimage to the Balearic Islands and putting on quite the spectacle whilst she’s there.

Touching down in Formentera earlier today, the supermodel proved that one’s travel wardrobe need not be limited to whatever you can fit under the seat of your EasyJet flight. Arriving with a coterie of designer accessories, she docked on the port carrying a suite of Hermès bags worth upwards of £50,000. Talk about travelling in style.

In a move that would certainly earn Jane Birkin’s seal of approval—after all, Jean-Louis Dumas was inspired to create the Hermès Birkin after the French actress lamented to him on a flight that her trademark basket bag wasn’t fit to carry all her belongings—Moss stepped out with a Birkin crammed into her left side and a Kelly slung over her shoulder. A girl can only, truly, dream.

Of course, would we expect anything less from fashion’s biggest rock star, Kate Moss? After all, this is the woman who has been wearing pirate boots since the ‘90s, made Hunter Wellingtons a cult item and, at least on one occasion, hung outside of a building window whilst smoking a cigarette. Still, it’s quite refreshing to see something so opulent be used as it’s actually intended to.

To complete the look, she also broke another unofficial style rule by wearing all-black, opting for a sheer dress and French-inspired patent ballet flats. Still, this isn’t the first time the 52-year-old has made headlines, both for her innovative use of an Hermes leather good or unconventional approach to summer holiday dressing.

This time last year, Moss was pictured using a Kelly bag as her beach tote, leaving the bag open as she strolled through the sand with her daughter, Lila. Time will only tell how she will repurpose her collection of luxury items for this trip. But if this is any indication, we wouldn’t be surprised to see her use this to carry around her souvenirs next.

Shop Kate Moss's Travel Outfit and Hermès Bags:

The autumn/winter 2026 runways were a wash with seasonal pieces and covetable silhouettes that will no doubt be everywhere by the time the collections hit boutiques come September. However, of all the designs presented, it’s the autumn bag trends that prove the most noteworthy.

After all, designer bags continue to be the most powerful sales drivers for luxury brands as of late, from Gucci claiming the launch of the Borsetto and Paparazzo lines helped “drive stronger brand visibility” and “renew client engagement”, as listed in Kering’s 2026 H1 financial report, to LVMH also alleging that Jonathan Anderson’s new Ciagle bag for Dior has “been well received” and majorly contributed to the brand’s “accelerating growth”.

Of course, it’s not just the data that’s proving how in demand these bags are. Earlier this year, news from fashion’s upper echelon hit mainstream when queues for Matthieu Blazy’s first collection for Chanel reached a frenzied pitch. Between the hours in line waiting for the new shopping tote and maxi flap bags to drop and the styles instantly selling out the moment they reached store floors, there’s no denying that the current cohort of designer bags is not to be missed.

Still, there were so many standout shapes to know, even if they were hidden under one of Chloe plaid coats or nuzzled against a Miu Miu leather trench dress.

At Prada, croc embossing was a dominant feature, rendered in glossy tones that rivalled an autumnal palette of glossy burgundy and rich olives. At Bottega Veneta, Louise Trotter presented her sophomore collection with a suite of oversized bags that showcased the Italian brand’s signature intrecciato weave. At Celine, Michael Ryder’s continual injection of American sportswear into the French maison resulted in bags that were both bourgeois and bohemian, preppy and polished.

Consider this as an early indicator of what's to come and uncover the key autumn 2026 bag trends ahead.

The 5 Key Autumn 2026 Bag Trends

1. Open Carry

Style Notes: In a trend that will scream “attenzione, pickpocket”, the inherently laissez-faire mode of wearing your bag intentionally open has evolved from a new styling technique to a bona fide trend.

First spotted on the ultra-rich who needed a fresh way to wear their Hermés Birkin bags—see: leaving the hardware unfastened—the look has evolved in a way where designers are now designing bags that are intended to droop, sink and slump.

Unstructured and unzipped, the style is a call for any petty thieves or voyeurs loitering nearby to steal a peek at the contents of your bag. Call it tempting fate or just call it straight up chic.

Shop the Trend:

2. Locked Tight

Style Notes: To flap or not to flap, that is the question. Well, if you were to ask those at the helm of the industry’s most profitable brands, the answer would certainly be the former. Indeed, from Demna at Gucci to Miuccia Prada at both Miu Miu and Prada, designers are indicating that a flap bag is a solid investment.

No one is making this their mission more than Matthieu Blazy. Since becoming the third designer to lead the artistic vision of Chanel since Gabrielle’s passing, the French-Belgian designer has upheld her legacy and signature ‘isms’ with a playfulness and reverence only seen once before with Karl Lagerfeld.

The result? Flap bags given the XXL treatment and maximised with grained calfskin, or rendered with a leopard print faux fur texture, or given a tail and head to look like a Central Park squirrel. And as I previously hinted at, it’s a feature the fashion set is going nuts for.

Shop the Trend:

3. Cocktail Hour

Style Notes: If the spring/summer 2026 season is an ode to dressing up and going out, then the autumn/winter 2026 bag trends can be considered the pieces that’ll outfit you for these occasions. Because when you spend a hot summer’s day slouching towards aperitivo hour, the last thing you’re going to wear for the occasion is a ludicrously capacious raffia tote or structured leather carry-all.

The technical name for a cocktail purse is a minaudière, which is a bag that’s designed like a jewellery piece and designed to complement evening attire. These pieces have been scattered all over the runway, from Johnathan Anderson’s frog purse for Dior to Chemena Kamali’s swan styles for Chloé. They’ll fit little more than lipstick and a miniature fragrance, though when they’re objects of art themselves, why would they need to?

Shop the Trend:

4. Supersize Me

Style Notes: Since autumn is all about piling on excess layers, it should come as no surprise to see the most in-demand bags receive a similar treatment. The autumn/winter 2026 runways were an act of supersizing classics, be it the extra-large Paddington bag or a colossal version of the Coach Turnlock bag that swings well below your knees when worn on your shoulder.

Leaving your house amid cold snaps sometimes feels like you’re bracing for battle, so whether you’re just nipping up to the high street or braving a bigger odyssey like a city break, pack a bag that can fit all your bare essentials and leave extra room for more.

Shop the Trend:

5. Strings Attached

Style Notes: Call me a hoarder, but there’s nothing I adore more than holding onto every dust bag or shoe cover that comes with each luxury purchase I make. Now, Mrs Prada is giving us a reason to finally wear them without looking like a social pariah after sending a collection of chic satin pouches down Prada’s spring/summer 2026 runway last September.

Since then, more brands have caught on, including Bottega Veneta, Coach and Vaquera. Sophie Buhai’s teardrop-embellished drawstring pouch is currently at the top of my wishlist, as is Le Sundial’s version, which is made with a velvet chartreuse fabric and finished with a tassel trim.

Shop the Trend:

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

Each summer, without fail, the scorching temperatures and blistering heat compel us to return to a few staple design elements that epitomise the balmy nature of the season. From crochet netting to raffia weave, these are motifs that remind us of summer’s effortless elegance and refined simplicity, evoking a sense of beachy revelry and balmy escapades, even if you’re just manoeuvring around the city.

Still, there are always a few trends that crop up and subvert these classic tropes. The rise of the jelly “Birkin” bag is one of them, which I put in parentheses to preface that this is obviously an imitation of the Hermès original, as are leather flip-flops, like the A. Emery Kinto or Havaianas x Isabel Marant collaboration. However, both these covetable styles are nothing compared to the popularity of the beaded bag trend. Specifically, Saint Laurent’s collection of wooden beaded bags.

Reminiscent of something you’d craft with as a preschooler, albeit in an incredibly sophisticated way, these wooden beaded bags have been spotted on the shoulders of the most tasteful dressers as they make their way around Europe’s hotspots. For instance, British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones has been regularly reaching for Saint Laurent’s baguette style, both for her sojourn to the Côte d'Azur during the Cannes Film Festival and again earlier in the season whilst visiting Puglia in Southern Italy.

For the uninitiated, these styles are also new offerings of Saint Laurent’s signature shapes, from the Le 5 À 7, a sturdy tote designed for daily activities that is called after the French New Wave film of the same name, to the Icare shopping bag, a luxuriously capacious carry-all worn by Zoë Kravitz and Hailey Bieber. All finished with the trademark gilded Cassandre logo, they render iconic shapes in a new format that feels both fresh and innovative for this time of year.

The material itself is also relatively timeless, given how intertwined wooden beadwork is with traditional craftsmanship. Though Saint Laurent has pioneered this trend, there’s no denying the impeccable artistry on display as other brands offer their own takes on beaded wood. Byron Bay-based design atelier St. Agni has just released a top made exclusively of wooden beads. Called the ‘Taxi’, the style acknowledges minimalist shapes through a bohemian lens, creating something both tactile and sleek. Elsewhere, textile-forward brand Tanchen Studio creates functional objects d’art like coffee cups and wine holders.

Sculptural and chic, these are styles that can instantly transport you to a far-flung place along the Mediterranean coastline, like Mallorca or Ischia, or where local artistry is always on display, though all you’ve done is sling this bag over the crook of your elbow. So, without further ado, scroll through for the best Saint Laurent beaded bags to shop this summer and wear all season long.

Shop the Saint Laurent Beaded Bags:

Shop More Beaded Bags:

As soon as summer rolls around, we spend a lot of time carefully curating our wardrobes. Gone are the jeans and trainers we wore throughout the rest of the year, and now the focus is fashionable and functional pieces that will keep you cool during scorching heatwaves. Let me guess, at this stage in the season your rotation has already been updated with light linen co-ords, crisp cotton dresses and a pair (or two) of flip flops, but you haven't actually put the same amount of thought into one of the most important accessories in any wardrobe—the bag.

A good summer bag doesn't just look good, it's one of the hardest working pieces in your arsenal, and luxury and designer bags may cost a little more, but you can trust that the design, craftsmanship and quality will stand up for years to come. Once your suitcase is packed, it's time to focus on your carry on, and the right summer bag will transition effortlessly between the airport, hotel, beach, bar and dinner, as well as looking great back home too. So where might you find this elusive wonder bag I hear you ask? Don't worry, this fussy fashion editor has done the work for you.

So, if the flights are booked and your passport located, before you finalise your summer outfits, here are the very best luxury holiday bags for summer 2026. You can thank me later.

The Best Luxury Holiday Bags for Summer 2026

The Row's Margaux and Marlo are two of the most iconic handbags of the past decade. They've earned the approval of the most elite fashion people, seen their resale prices double, gone viral on social media, and reached that rare level of recognition where even people unfamiliar with The Row can instantly identify them.

Despite their different names, Margaux and Marlo share a common design approach: an oversize rectangular tote silhouette that's understated, elegant, and practical. It's a formula that has clearly resonated, so it makes sense that The Row decided to drop a summer version of those two bags called the Georgica. Based on current trends, we predict this bag will sell out quickly, especially since the fashion set is already wearing it. Think Courtney Grow.

The Row's Georgica bag is a beautifully crafted tote made of woven raffia. It features a rectangular shape and braided top handles that extend to the base. Whether you're heading to the beach, the airport, or the office, the spacious design allows you to fit all your essentials. The bag even fits a large laptop, which is what allowed Grow to justify her purchase, as mentioned on her Instagram story.

True to The Row's minimalist yet elevated design ethos, the Georgica comes in three refined colourways: black, beige, and tan. Each version features a tonal design that emphasises the woven material's natural texture, making it a timeless investment piece. Ahead, shop the elegant summer bag and be one of the first to add it to your rotation.

Shop The Row's Georgica Raffia Tote

Shop More The Row Raffia Totes

There are a few key spring and summer events that help our editors keep an eye out for inspiration and trends, runways, of course, red carpets, after-parties and The Met Gala.

This year Hunter Schafer wore one of our team's favourite red carpet looks of the night, which was a custom Prada gown inspired by Gustav Klimt's "Mäda Primavesi." Then, for the Saint Laurent after-party at People's Bar in New York City, she changed into a custom dress by emerging British designer Steve O Smith and carried one particular accessory: Prada's Wish Pouch.

That made me think back to the Italian luxury house's spring and summer 2026 runway show, where the bag appeared multiple times throughout the collection, taking an essentials-only approach to dressing: phone, keys, wallet. The silhouette comes in three materials—silk, Re-Nylon, and leather—and in a range of shades including black, grey, orange and even pink.

Pouches also appeared at Loewe's, Miu Miu's, and Valentino's spring and summer 2026 shows and even at Celine's autumn and winter 2026 presentation—a nostalgic eveningwear aesthetic reminiscent of the dainty styles dating back to the late 18th century.

Below, shop Prada's It bag for summer 2026 along with more designer pouches from Bottega Veneta, Chloé, Saint Laurent, The Row, and more.

On Prada's Spring and Summer 2026 Runway

On Hunter Schafer

Shop Prada's Wish Pouch:

Shop More Designer Pouches:

Some designer handbags are backed by decades of history, such as the Hermès Kelly and the Louis Vuitton Speedy, both of which were designed in the 1930s. Others are appealing for the complete opposite reason: They're new and different and instantly signal your up-to-date insider knowledge of the fashion industry. This story is focused on the latter category. There will always be a time and a place for collecting handbags with history, but if you're looking for novelty, you've come to the right place.

For spring and summer 2026, we've been treated to an especially wide array of luxury-bag launches because of all the recent creative-director shake-ups. Naturally, newly installed designers at prestigious houses like to make strong first impressions with customers, and bags are a time-tested way to do just that. Scroll down to shop my favourite new handbag styles from Gucci, Loewe, Dior, and Versace.

My Favorite Designer-Bag Launches of Spring/Summer 2026

1. Loewe Amazona 180

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez's debut spring/summer 2026 collection for Loewe was rife with standout moments, but one handbag caught my eye: the Amazona 180. "First introduced in 1975," Loewe explained, "the Amazona emerged at a moment of societal and cultural shift in Spain. Its name signals both a new beginning and a continuity: marking Loewe's 180-year anniversary in 2026."

Shop the Bag:

2. Gucci Borsetto

Just this week, the Gucci Borsetto was photographed on Demi Moore at the Cannes Film Festival. Other recent A-list sightings include Anne Hathaway, Dua Lipa, Kate Moss, Tyla, and Vittoria Ceretti. If that doesn't prove that this is one of the season's buzziest It bags, I don't know what will.

Shop the Bag:

3. Versace Pivot

The new Versace Pivot is "a tactile, sculptural interpretation of the bucket bag defined by its distinctive hardware, capturing the strength and sensuality at the heart of Versace," the brand explained in a press release. "Bearing the signature Medusa, newly rendered. A distinctive emblem set within a leather oval macaron. An inviting rendering of an icon with an alluring depth to her gaze, capturing the details of the Medusa decorating the door of Via Gesù 12, the original Milan home and atelier of Versace."

Shop the Bag:

4. Dior Médaillon

Since taking the helm at Dior, Jonathan Anderson has masterfully reintroduced the maison's medallion motif from 1947. My favourite new version of this house code? The Médaillon Flap Bag, which is offered in small and medium sizes. The dusty-pink version, in particular, is calling my name.

Shop the Bag:

For some, the start of summer is marked by the summer solstice. Others depend on the first heatwave to confirm the new season's arrival. For me, it's the first sighting of a Loewe basket bag.

Whilst the summer temperatures may not be predictable, there are certain iconic buys that we can certainly depend on. A.Emery's sandals will come back every season, Dôen's dresses return to pride of place, and when it comes to handbags, Loewe's distinctive styles can be spotted in cities and seasides across the globe.

Each time the mercury rises, basket bags return to our everyday wardrobes. Bringing a summer edge to our outfits, from smart tailoring to flowing summer dresses, these bags are primed to be trusted companions throughout the warm days, whether laden down with laptops and water bottles or SPF and beach towels. For decades, this iconic bag has remained a staple of warm-weather dressing, but in 2019, JW Anderson emblazoned a basket bag with the iconic Loewe anagram, and ever since, the fashion crowd has been completely enamoured by this one style.

Whether you know it or not, you’ve probably spotted one of Loewe’s iconic bags during the summer months. The classic styles see a raffia weave with luxurious leather handles and the eye-catching Loewe logo applied to the side. Whilst distinctive for us fashion people, the bag remains subtle, nodding to the designer branding only through the swirling letters. Other styles have since taken a more subtle approach, with the brand's name embossed onto handles or in small stitches on the side of the Puzzle Fold.

As Loewe’s basket bag has held its It status, the brand has continued to update the style with various silhouettes, colourways and sizes. Now, there’s a style for everyone, ready to be a smart investment piece now and continue to earn its keep in your summer wardrobe every single year. If you’re looking to add one great basket bag to your collection, scroll on to explore the best Loewe Basket Bags right now.

1. Basket Bag

2. Eclipse

3. Anagram Basket

4. Braid Basket Bag

5. Punch Hole Hobo

6. Puzzle Fold

7. Font Tote

There are some staples that come synonymous with the summer season—plain white tank tops, drawstring linen trousers, leather flip-flops, and of course, the trusty woven tote. And whilst leather and suede iterations have my heart throughout the autumn, winter and spring, nothing says “sun-soaked getaway” quite like raffia.

An easy way to add texture and interest to your warm-weather outfits, but with a classic appeal that allows this bag structure to never date, you'll find a raffia tote on the shoulders of almost every editor, fashion person and influencer summer after summer. And with less than 3 weeks until the new season officially starts here in the UK, I decided it was time to start thinking about which designer raffia tote I’ll be purchasing for 2026.

Now, anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm extremely picky with the luxury items I invest in. I like to have full confidence that my high-end purchases are going to get a lot of wear before I take the leap and decide to buy them; however, the timeless nature of a woven handbag, along with it’s effortlessly polished appeal, makes it the ideal summer staple to splurge on. Not to mention that the craftspersonship, quality and design of designer raffia totes set them apart a lot further from their high street counterparts than other bag styles do.

If you, too, are looking to invest or upgrade in a new raffia tote style, I've rounded up the very best designer finds below, from iconic cult buys that will never date to slightly trendier styles that are sure to freshen up your outfits this season.

The 31 Best Designer Tote Bags to Shop for Summer 2026

The Best Designer Raffia Totes

If you are as runway-obsessed as team Who What Wear UK, it's likely you already know the spring/summer 2026 collections inside out. Since they were first shown in September of last year, we've seen a Gucci monogram revival, the introduction of the Bottega rubber clog and Loewe's Amazonia bag inspire a legion of copies, but for those who want to stay one step ahead of the crowd, the pre-fall collections are an untapped resource.

No, not every designer brand shows a pre-fall collection, and yes, as the name suggests, these small collections fall in the gap between high summer and the beginning of autumn, so whilst they are not intended for wear quite yet, now is the perfect time to bookmark these transitional heroes for the coming months.

With summer just around the corner, we're happily wearing light cottons and linens to enjoy the sun, but if you're in the business of buying ahead and saving for a rainy day, you're going to appreciate this heads-up on some of the best pieces to come out of the pre-fall 2026 collections. Keep scrolling to see the buys that get this fashion editor's stamp of approval. Some are viral moments waiting to happen, others are just smart investments, but either way, I'm convinced there's something in the mix you're guaranteed to love.

1. Chanel Three-Quarter Pullover

Style Notes: It's rare that a pre-fall collection garners so much attention that not only is the opening look splashed all over social media, but it's also re-created for the Met Gala, too. Such is the power of Mattheiu Blazy's new Chanel. This simple three-quarter-zip-and-jeans pairing has proven to be such a conversation starter that it is one of the most memorable moments in Blazy's career to date, and I have a feeling that its popularity lies in its comfort and ease. If you were looking for wearable pieces with a luxury feel, this is Blazy's take on everyday extraordinary.

2. Loewe Layers

Style Notes: Why choose one great piece when you can wear them all at once? According to creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, more is more at Loewe for pre-fall, and layers on layers are the coolest way to do colour-blocking now. Loewe bags are always hero pieces, and the latest iterations of the Puzzle and Flamenco are even more special with the layering motif, but the detail also extends to jackets and knitwear that feel all the more vibrant in fun colour pairings. Oh, and just another note for bag fans: keep an eye out for the Scarf bag. When it eventually lands, we predict instant success.

3. Dior Médaillon

Style Notes: And now, a new emblem from the house of Dior. Jonathan Anderson introduces the Médaillon, a recurring motif that you'll spot on everything from flats to belt buckles. Reminiscent of the early years of the maison and its home in Paris, forget signatures, because the Médaillon is Anderson's instantly recognisable stamp. I have a feeling it will be just as sought-after as his other legacy pieces: the JW Anderson Pierce and the Loewe Puzzle.

4. Balenciaga Techwear

Style Notes: Remember last year's funnel-neck jackets? Next season, Balenciaga is taking sportswear one step further with a mini collection of technical jackets, leggings, trainers and caps shown alongside XL and XS City bags and dressy, embellished heels. Don't fear, Balenciaga fans: the (in)famous Triple S trainers are still around for another year yet, but you may also want to keep an eye out for the Jet trainer—a new silhouette set to be popular amongst fashion-forward sneaker stans.

5. Gucci Savoy Shoe

Style Notes: If Tom Ford's Gucci was all about high-octane glamour, Giannini's was modern boho, Michele's was "geek chic" and De Sarno scaled back to near minimalism, Demna's era will be characterised by polished attitude. Glossy leather, bodycon fits, reptile skin and fur… next-season Gucci piles on the opulence, and there's no room for ballet flats and cardigans. A case in point: the Savoy shoe, a razor-sharp pointed shoe that comes in the form of a pump, flat and boot. Just when the rest of fashion was moving towards practicality and comfort over style (see the garden clog), Demna is putting fierce heels back on the agenda.

6. Chloé Paddington

Style Notes: Whilst we anxiously await the release of the peplum belt/miniskirt that appeared in no less than 10 of the 35 pre-fall looks, the other Chloé accessory that gets a thumbs-up is the iconic Paddington. We were excited to welcome the noughties classic back with open arms at the end of last year, and it's clear that Chloé is riding the Paddington's nostalgic wave into next season, too, now offering wicker, mini and chain-bag iterations.

Prada is one designer brand that doesn't miss when it comes to chic new bags. Take its Route handbag, for example. This silhouette just dropped, and it's already on the arms of fashion people in Paris and NYC. The Buckle Bucket Bag is another that elegant dressers like Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Elsa Hosk also added to their collections. But we can't forget about the semi-new style that has quietly but quickly gained a cult following: the Bonnie.

This east-west silhouette, with slim buckle details and two long handles, debuted in the brand's spring 2024 collection and has since become an It-girl favorite, loved for its blend of function and style. It was first spotted on Bella Hadid, who wore the extra-large style, and on Sarah Pidgeon, who wore the medium size, both in Milan. Later, Selena Gomez was photographed in L.A. in the extra-large style. A few weeks afterward, Hadid appeared in the large suede version, solidifying the Bonnie as a go-to.

Initially launched in neutral shades such as black, dark brown, and tan—the core palette—the Prada bag has expanded its collection to include blush pink, muted blue, and white. Now, for spring 2026, it introduces fresh color options, including tan leather paired with beige linen and white leather paired with printed white linen. These two shades are available in medium and small sizes, with the medium featuring a cargo-style front pocket in place of the signature triangle logo.

While I could continue explaining the lore behind the Bonnie and its beautiful spring colorways, this is the type of bag you have to see for yourself. With that said, keep scrolling to discover it.

Celebrities Wearing the Prada Bonnie Bag

Shop the New Prada Bonnie Bags:

Shop the Classic Bonnie Bags

I do a lot of fashion treasure hunting as Who What Wear UK's fashion editor, but there's something about the new designer offerings for spring/summer 2026 that has me particularly excited for the season ahead. I'm convinced that spring is the perfect time to invest in your wardrobe, as taking stock and clearing things out feels like second nature at the beginning of the year, but I'm just as interested in the newness coming in (blame my dedication to my craft).

After what felt like a particularly long winter and an even slower start to spring, we're finally able to enjoy the joyful, warm-weather looks we saw on the runways, but until high summer really kicks in, I've been giving careful thought as to what to wear in the in-between. Florals, sheer skirts, blouses and sandals might be spiking in searches right now, but the reality is still a slightly chillier (read: temperamental) forecast. Still, convinced that I can dress with all the optimism of summer but with a little more spring sensibility, I started looking for investment pieces that could do both, and, naturally, my search led to luxury brands.

The high street serves its purpose when it comes to affordable pieces that are quick to pick up on buzzy microtrends, but if you're looking for a piece that you can buy now but wear for years to come, I always consider designer purchases a great place to start. Spending a little more guarantees premium materials, quality craftspersonship and design and detail that is often unmatched by cheaper pieces. Longevity and wearability are crucial when shopping at any time of year, but particularly in the spring/summer transition when the change in weather can be drastic overnight.

So, determined to find a luxury purchase to meet my needs (and yours), I tried on as many designer pieces as I could in one morning to bring you a concise edit of those that really impressed me. From the Toteme co-ord that will be huge again this summer, to the classic Loewe bag that has a new look for 2026, these are luxury buys that I think are worth your time (and hard-earned money for the months ahead. Happy scrolling!

1. JW Anderson Rugby Top and Kilt

Style Notes: Whether it's down to the return of collegiate prep or simply the Hailey Bieber effect, suddenly, rugby shirts are feeling like ultra-cool territory. Having bought one already from Zara last year, what was once a crisp, bright shirt quickly turned into a wrinkly, faded tee in the wash, so imagine my joy to spot this fine JW Anderson knit on the rail in Selfridges.

It was the colours that first caught my eye, but the soft finish really piqued my interest, and cotton-wool blends like this really come into their own in cool spring weather that requires defence against the cold, but not too much, in case the sun comes out. For me, it was perfect on its own, but in autumn you could layer over a T-shirt, and in winter it's fine enough to fit comfortably underneath your wool coat, so how's that for year-round wear? I branched out and tried it on with the wool kilt from the brand, too; another piece I'm convinced is perfect for spring, in having just enough breathability without being flimsy. A strong start from JW.

Shop the Look:

2. Toteme Monogram Cotton Shirt and Wide-Leg Trousers

Style Notes: Regular readers of Who What Wear UK will know just how popular the Toteme Monogram co-ord has been over the past couple of years, so much so that I was desperate to try it for myself. You may be more familiar with the silk version of the PJ-style top and trousers, but Toteme is banking on the cotton iteration being this year's best-seller, as it has just landed in white and powder blue.

A word of warning: yes, the cotton is fine and so a little sheer (not sheer enough to show all of my underwear, but enough to let light through), so think carefully about what you wear underneath. However, it feels like lighter, softer linen; something that would be ideal during a heatwave. Warm weather is all about comfort, and this delivers in spades; in fact, it feels like wearing nothing at all. To keep the look from feeling too pyjama-ish, I'd wear it with leather sandals, a big tote and a jumper tied around the waist. (You never know when you might need it).

Shop the Look:

3. Victoria Beckham Satin Twist Dress

Style Notes: It might not be one for everyday, but this is a summer-occasion dress if ever I saw one. Weddings! Parties! Maybe even a particularly lavish date night! This dress proves why VB is a master of dress design in particular. Ruched and draped in exactly the right places, it's all about defining the feminine form, and I couldn't have been more comfortable. I said goodbye to clingy bodycon dresses a long time ago, and sometimes baggy styles don't feel special enough, so this is the pleasing middle ground, and there's also something about this colour that I'm sure would invite compliments. There's no need to over-style a dress like this as it already does all the talking, so just add a strappy heel and a simple bag for a summer of socialising.

Shop the Look:

4. SIR Fringe Bodysuit

Style Notes: I don't own any pieces from SIR, so this was an impressive introduction to the brand. With all of the pleasing thickness of a premium piece (something you just don't find on the high street), this immediately stopped me from shuffling through the rails; it was just too chic to ignore. Minimalists will appreciate its proximity to a simple tank top, and maximalists will love the exciting fringing. This is one of those pieces that commands attention, and it's surprisingly versatile: wear it under a blazer as part of a suit, dress it up with a printed skirt and heels or keep it casual with baggy jeans and flats. This could really serve as the (not so) basic layer in all of your summer outfits, and the thicker fabric has just the right amount of smoothing sculpt for wear-all-day comfort.

Shop the Look:

5. The Frankie Shop Drop Waist Maxi Dress

Style Notes: It's becoming a regular occurrence that I fall in love with something I've seen from The Frankie Shop, and this dress is no exception. The brand always manages to make simplicity feel so effortlessly elegant, and this dress is exactly the kind of thing I would roll out of bed and straight into during summer. The drop waist, the unexpected shade of green, the texture contrast: this is how to do pared-back minimalism without compromising on the joy of dressing up. My only note? The skirt started a couple of inches below my belly button, but on the models its more like mid-knicker grazing. Not inherently an issue, but you may want to try it on first to see exactly where it falls on you.

6. Loewe Featherlight Puzzle Bag

Style Notes: I have a thing for bags that is almost as bad as my thing for shoes, so I've managed to amass a collection spanning cheap and cheerful high-street finds to vintage designer pieces I've had to save up for. The one contemporary designer bag that I do own, however, is a Loewe Puzzle, and I've used it almost every day since buying it. Not only are Puzzles so much roomier than they look, but they're also recognisable from a mile away (no quiet luxury here). If you've been debating whether to take the plunge, the latest Puzzles are a recent re-edition to celebrate the style's 10th anniversary, and now come in fun new colours and limited editions. My money is on this stunning shade of burnt red. It's the kind of bag you can take to the airport, the beach bar, the boardroom and the birthday party. So that's your spring/summer covered.

When it comes to the best designer bags, The Row is always part of the conversation. Since its inception in 2006, the brand has built a stellar roster of It bags, ranging from the capacious Marlo to the newly ingratiated Peggy Clutch. With timeless appeal, refined form and an in-the-know feel central to every design, The Row's bags consistently impress and, in turn, sell out. As the very best The Row bags can move quickly, I keep a careful eye on new releases and restocks, and I just know that these The Row summer bags will be flying off the shelves in no time.

From sharp tailoring to summer sandals, The Row's hold over the fashion sphere sees dedicated shoppers avidly watching for new arrivals and restocks of the best pieces. Last year, the brand introduced a bold striped Barn Tote, which instantly became the insider bag of the summer, void of bold logos but identifiable to keen-eyed fashion people. Now, the style has returned in understated black and brown colourways, along with a fresh intake of new summer bags.

In line with the arrival of sunshine, the brand has bolstered its bag category with new styles for the summer months. The newly arrived Georgica is already proving to be an instant hit, formed of intricate woven raffia in a classic tote silhouette. The Alma offers a more relaxed form, with a spacious interior and a long handle for added ease. Alongside the new styles come summer-ready updates to the brand's best-sellers. The Idaho shoulder bag has landed, updating the beloved style with elongated handles and a more everyday shape, but still retains the understated appeal that we've become accustomed to with The Row's designer bags.

From woven raffia to canvas updates, I've rounded up the best The Row summer bags to shop now before they sell out.

Shop the Best The Row Summer Bags

1. The Georgica Tote Bag

Style Notes: A true summer bag, the Georgica Tote is a classic tote style made from intricately woven raffia with braided top handles. Spacious and sleek, this bag will hold its place in any great wardrobe for years to come.

Shop the Georgica Tote Bag:

2. The Beau Raffia Tote

Style Notes: Honestly, I can't believe I found the Beau bag in stock. Crafted from black and beige raffia interwoven to create a tactile texture and finished with leather handles, this bag will bring an elegant finishing touch to any summer outfit.

Shop the Beau Tote:

3. The Alma Raffia Bag

Style Notes: For those who like their bags refined, relaxed and spacious, you'll want to know about the Alma bag. This bag balances refined and relaxed with a supple raffia form, and a single handle to keep the pared-back look of the design.

Shop the Alma Raffia Bag:

4. The Idaho Shoulder Bag

Style Notes: The Idaho is a favourite amongst fashion people, and I expect the new shoulder version will be a hit too. The elongated straps make it easy to wear over the shoulder, with a cotton canvas material that's fitting for the warmer months as well as all year round.

Shop the Idaho Shoulder Bag:

5. The Amber Bag

Style Notes: The Amber feels so true to The Row's aesthetic for its sophisticated and in-the-know appeal. Void of any branding, the luxury notes comes from the artisanal craftspersonship required to create the intricate woven bag.

Shop the Amber Bag:

6. The Barn Tote

Style Notes: After last year's success, the Barn Tote is back, now in a selection of sizes and colourways. The breathable style with slim leather handles comes in mini and regular sizes, as well as black, brown and striped colourways.

Shop the Barn Tote:

7. The Lilou Bag

Style Notes: The Lilou tote is already proving to be a favourite amongst fashion people, and we've spotted Kendall Jenner and Elsa Hosk carrying the sleek style.

Shop the Lilou Bag:

Shop More Luxury Summer Bags